Kidney Failure, Anorexia and Bulimia
Eating Disorders Severely Disturb Normal Kidney Functioning
Apr 8, 2009
The kidneys are two kidney bean-shaped organs located in the human back, one on each side of the spine. The role of the kidneys is essential to sustain life. Kidneys withdraw impurities from the blood as well as control electrolyte balance, blood pressure and the production of red blood cells besides other functions.
How Kidneys Operate
As the blood flows through the kidneys, these organs determine how much fluid (water) will be excreted from the body. When the body is under duress, the kidneys may withhold fluid (water), that is, prevent fluid from leaving the body, thus reducing the risk of dehydration. They determine the amount of electrolytes to be excreted as well.
Kidney Hormones Renin and Erythropoietin
This ability of regulating the blood pressure, performed by the kidneys, as mentioned, is due to a hormone named renin. It is a key component of the kidney's operating system.
Erythropoietin, another vital hormone which the kidneys manufacture, is responsible for instigating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Since the kidneys oversee oxygen levels contained within the blood, should the oxygen levels diminish, the erythropoietin hormone levels increase, consequently, this sends a meesage to the body to produce more red blood cells (Wedro Benjamin C., MD, FAAEM, "What are the Kidneys", no date, written for Medicinenet.com website).
Kidneys and Excretion
After the impurities are removed from the blood they are eliminated through a narrow tube called the ureter. The ureter, which is connected to the bladder, is where the urine is stored until it is eliminated through the urethra (Wedro Benjamin C., MD, FAAEM, "What are the Kidneys", no date, written for Medicinenet.com website).
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are electrical conduits. Body fluid, tissue, and blood contain them. They are known as chloride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Healthy muscle, heart and nerve functioning as well as concentration depend upon the vital balance of electrolytes.
Anorexia, Bulimia and Electrolyte Imbalance
Starvation, lack of proper fluid intake, eight to ten ounces within eight hours (Perry Leroy R. Jr., "Think You're Drinking Enough Water?",Naturodoc.com, written for a website, no date), overeating and then purging, causes the body to lose and offset the essential balance of electrolytes. This can lead to a number of problems, some of which are life threatening; kidney failure is one such consequence.
Some Signs, Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Renal/Kidney Failure
Acute Kidney Failure:
- Vacillating amounts of urine elimination, sometimes normal, sometimes less than normal;
- Legs, ankles and feet may swell due to the build up of fluid within the body;
- Feeling sleepy;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Lack of energy; and,
- Perhaps chest pain in more advanced cases (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic website, May 13, 2008).
Chronic Kidney Failure:
- Blood pressure increases significantly;
- Urine elimination decreases or ceases;
- Urine color is abnormal;
- Client may be anemic;
- Appetite diminishes;
- Regurgitation and queasiness;
- Shift in weight;
- Generally just doesn't feel well;
- Presence of headaches that have no etiology;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Thinking may be sluggish;
- Presence of pain in the kidney areas;
- Problems with muscles;
- Feet and ankles are swollen;
- Abnormal stools;
- Change in skin color; and
- Tenacious itching (Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Clinic website, May 13, 2008).
Finally, eating disorders are a catalyst for massive, internal damage. They are serious matters and ignoring them will lead to complications. Instead of a state of balance, eating disorders throw the body into an imbalanced state, creating a ripple of consequences that can become life threatening. Kidney failure is only one possibility.
Other Eating Disorder Articles:
Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Fact vs. Fiction
Note to the reader:
The information contained within this article is not designed, nor intended to diagnose and/or treat a condition. If there are concerns, please consult with a treatment professional.
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